Advanced Pearls course
1600.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
The “Advanced Pearl” course by SSEF is an advanced gemological programme that provides a two-day intensive practical training on pearls.
Duration: 2 days
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Language: English
Group sizes: 9 students maximum
Level: Advanced
Prerequisites: Interest in pearls
Certificate: Advanced Pearls Course Participation Certificate
Upcoming courses: 1 – 2 December 2025
What will I learn ?
Dive deep into the world of pearls with the intensive course by SSEF. Focusing on formation, identification and recognition of treatments, this programme offers the rare opportunity of hands-on examination of natural and cultured pearls. Taught by world-leading gemmologists, you will be able to sharpen your expertise and build experience for all types of pearls you may encounter throughout your career in a complex market.
Who is this course for?
This course is for industry professionals who are seeking to specialise in pearls or those wishing to deepen their knowledge of natural pearls and cultured pearls (identification, quality factors etc.).
Course structure
This is a intensive practical training course that offers the opportunity to gain experience handling all types of pearls. Main topics covered include: Formation of pearls, distinguishing between natural and cultured pearls as well as detecting treatments.
This course, taught by world-leading gemmologists, is designed in two parts: theory and hands-on training using gemmological instruments and samples from a large stones collection for study. You will examine natural and cultured pearls. Small groups guarantee intensive training and dynamic dialogue.
Aim of this course
This very practical course aims to show participants all the different types of pearls that exist. Possibilities and challenges in pearl testing will be demonstrated, alongside learning about the formation of pearls, different types of pearls and treatments that exist.
Long-term benefits
With this course you can strengthen your experience with natural and cultured pearls and gain niche expertise. You will improve your knowledge of all types of pearls by acquiring practical skills that can be applied directly in day-to-day business.
What you’ll learn during the Advanced Pearl Course
Want to learn more about our courses?
Please visit our page dedicated to frequently asked questions. For additional details, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Registrations status:
Open for registration
Next sessions:
01 – 02 December 2025
Price for this course:
1600.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Module 1
Introduction to Pearls
- Introduction into formation of natural and cultured pearls
- Practical work with natural and cultured pearls
- Internal structure of pearls (cross-sections)
- Quality of pearls
- Terminology of pearls
Module 2
Identification of Natural and Cultured Pearls
- Pearl testing with X-radiography
- X-ray luminescence
- Micro X-ray tomography
- Advanced pearl testing
- Practical work with pearls
- Conclusions
- Discussion of knowledge gained during the course
Registrations status:
Open for registration
Next sessions:
04 – 05 November 2024
01 – 02 December 2025
Price for this course:
1600.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Want to learn more about our courses?
Please visit our page dedicated to frequently asked questions. For additional details, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why choose us?
SSEF guide to Basel
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Apply for a scholarship
Each year, we award two educational scholarships named after past SSEF directors.